Fernie Council Meeting June 27, 2011
Posted by admin in : Fernie Council Meeting , add a comment1) Arena Ice Floor Covering – Amendment to Agreement
On April 27, 2009 Council approved a resolution to jointly purchase with the District of Sparwood an arena floor covering designed to be installed over arena ice surfaces. The current Agreement calls for a daily fee of $1400 plus GST to be levied against a municipality or party, other than Fernie or Sparwood. The amendment to the Agreement changes the rental fee to $1400 for the first day and $700 for each day thereafter plus HST.
Further to this, the current Agreement requires Sparwood or Fernie to pay a daily rental fee of $700 plus GST the proposed amendment changes this to a fee of $700 for the first day of usage and a fee of $350 per day of each day thereafter plus HST.
2) Public Art-Proposed Mural on Fernie Memorial Arena Wall adjacent to Highway #3
Council approved the proposed mural “Patterns on Ice” for installation at the Fernie Memorial Arena subject to receipt and approval, by the Director of Leisure Services, of an Agreement for the works acceptable to the City of Fernie.
3) Appointment of Chief Election Officer and Deputy Chief Election Officer for the 2011 General Local Elections
Council appointed Ms. Leanne Jensen as Chief Election Officer and Ms. Gayle Vallance as Deputy Chief Election Officer for the purpose of conducting the upcoming 2011
General Local Elections on behalf of the City of Fernie.
Saturday, November 19, 2011 is Election Day.
4) Partnering Agreement with the Fernie Chamber of Commerce for the Victoria Avenue Initiative and Sunday Downtown Socials
Council authorized notice of its intention to provide assistance to the Fernie Chamber of Commerce under the terms of a Partnering Agreement for the provision of municipal services, being the hosting of summer downtown festivities, including but not limited to a night market, street theatre, music and trunk treasure sale to occur from July 3 to September 4, 2011 providing for payment by the City to the Chamber the sum of $10,000.00 for the services described in the agreement.
Following the requisite notice, Council will consider approval of the Agreement at the July 25, 2011 Regular Meeting.
5) 2010 Schedule of Remuneration and Expenses and the 2010 Schedule of Payments to Suppliers of Goods or Services
Council approved the 2010 Schedule of Remuneration and Expenses and the 2010 Schedule of Payments to Suppliers of Goods or Services.
6) Special Occasion Liquor Licences
Council approved the following Special Occasion Liquor Licences:
• 357672 BC Ltd. – The Pub, Park Place Lodge (TransRockies 2011) August 7 and 8, 2011 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day in an enclosed area of Station Square between 1st and 2nd Avenue and 6th Street as part of the TransRockies Challenge 2011 event.
• Fernie Heritage Cemetery Society
Friday, July 1, 2011 in an enclosed area of Prentice Park (1550 – 5th Avenue) or at the Fernie Memorial Arena (in the event of inclement weather) as part of Canada Day celebrations subject to the City receiving the necessary certificate of insurance.
• Fernie Mixed Slo-Pitch (Mad Batters Tournament)
July 30 and 31, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. each day in an enclosed area of Prentice Park (1550 – 5th Avenue).
Lions Club – Demolition Derby
Council will consider a resolution endorsing a Special Occasion Liquor license in advance of the September 4, 2011 Demolition Derby once they have received the necessary completed documents and proof of comprehensive general liability insurance.
7) Agreement between the City and the Fernie Miners Walk Society
Council approved an Agreement between the City of Fernie and the Fernie Miners Walk Society intended to facilitate the construction of a memorial to honour miners of the Elk Valley Region on the grounds of City Hall to be known as the “Miners Walk”.
Fernie Chamber of Commerce – Summer Student Funding
The Fernie Chamber of Commerce was informed that funding for summer students had been cut by the federal and provincial governments and further, that all Visitor Centres in the East Kootenays had their funding cut for summer students positions. The Chamber of Commerce requested Council consideration funding the shortfall.
Council advised the Chamber of Commerce that the City do not have funds to supplement the positions. The Chamber has since received confirmation that federal government funds have been restored.
9) Tourism Fernie –Request for Support for the Renewal of the Additional Hotel Room Tax (AHRT) program and for Tourism Fernie to become the Eligible Entity Request for the AHRT
Council confirmed its support for the renewal of the AHRT for another five-year term and for Tourism Fernie becoming the Eligible Entity for the AHRT.
10) RDEK Representative on the Columbia-Kootenay RAC Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust
The RDEK Board appointed Director Cindy Corrigan as the RDEK representative to the Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust – Kootenay Columbia Regional Advisory Committee.
Fernie Council Meeting June 16, 2011
Posted by admin in : Fernie Council Meeting , 2comments1) Partnering Agreement with the Trans-Rockies Challenge Society
Council approved the Partnering Agreement between the City of Fernie and the Trans-Rockies Challenge Society, for the provision of municipal services to host the 2011 Trans-Rockies Challenge. The City will provide payment to the Trans-Rockies Challenge Society the sum of $6747.44 for services as outlined in the agreement.
Trans-Rockies Challenge in Fernie – August 5-10, 2011
2) Partnering Agreement with the Fernie Chamber of Commerce
Council approved the amended Partnering Agreement between the City of Fernie and the Fernie Chamber of Commerce, for municipal services for the provision of sani-dump facilities at 102 Commerce Road. This will allow the Chamber to collect and retain a fee not to exceed $2.00 per use (inclusive of HST) for services as outlined in the agreement.
3) Fuel Management Program – Ridgemont Area
Council was advised the fuel management work previously scheduled for the area above Ridgemont will not proceed at this time. The Tri-Regional District JOP Funded Program has been withdrawn due to an accounting short fall to cover unanticipated costs associated with the HST.
Fuel Treatment in James White Park
In 2010 a survey was completed of all forested Crown Lands within the City of Fernie that might represent a fire hazard. In the opinion of the Registered Professional Forester conducting the survey, James While Park is considered at low risk for wild fire and presented minimal hazards to the residences and structural proximal to the park. As such, fuel treatments will not occur in the park at this time.
4) Fernie Fire Fighters Annual Muscular Dystrophy Canada- Hamburger Days – Wednesday, June 22
Stop by the Fire Hall and show your support!
5) Resort Municipality Initiative Application – Fernie Writers’ Conference Society
Council approved a request from the Fernie Writers’ Conference Society for $4,000 to assist with hosting the Fernie Writers’ Conference. Funding from the City to support the event will come from the Provincial Resort Municipality Initiative.
Regular Fernie Council Meeting May 25, 2011
Posted by admin in : Fernie Council Meeting , add a comment1) Elk Valley Detachment 2011/2012 Annual Performance Plan (APP)
SSgt. Lorne Craig the Elk Valley RCMP Detachment Commander was in attendance and introduced Corp. Don Erichsen who is new to the Elk Valley Detachment.
SSgt. Craig provided an overview of the APP and the policing priorities outlined in the document. He noted that the Province is paying for a reservist position that will patrol the South Country from June 2 – December 28. For further information on the Performance Plan, visit the City Website at www.fernie.ca
2) Partnering Agreement with the Trans-Rockies Challenge Society
Council authorized notice of its intention to provide assistance to the Trans-Rockies Challenge Society under the terms of a partnering agreement for the provision of municipal services, being the hosting of the 2011 Trans-Rockies Challenge providing for payment by the City to the TransRockies Challenge Society the sum of $6747.44 for services described in the agreement.
Payment for services to the society will be provided from the Resort Municipality Initiative – Cultural and Heritage Tourism and Festivals program area.
3) Amendment to Partnering Agreement with the Fernie Chamber of Commerce
Council authorized notice of its intention to provide assistance to the Fernie Chamber of Commerce under the terms of a partnering agreement for the provision of municipal services, being the provision of sani-dump facilities at 102 Commerce Road, Fernie, BC. Allowing the Chamber to collect a fee not to exceed $2.00 (inclusive of HST or GST) as described in the agreement.
After completion of the required notice, the aforementioned partnering agreements will be presented to Council at the June 13, 2011 Regular Meeting for consideration of a motion to authorize their execution.
4) Leroux Pond Garden Restoration Proposal
The Leroux Pond at the base of the 4th A Avenue and 3rd Street hill has been unattended for a number of years. Originally the pond was developed as informal gardens, with rock lined paths and a small reflection pond.
A number of volunteers have come forward offering their services to clean up the site and potentially develop the area into a formal garden area. Council authorized the work to be done over the summer subject to all activities on the City land being subject to the approval, coordination and supervision of the Director of Leisure Services and if the land clean up activity involves onsite burning of woody debris and brush that volunteers first obtain a Fire Permit from the Fernie Fire Department.
5) Fernie Academy Society – Scholarship
The City of Fernie will provide a $500. Scholarship to a student in the 2011 Graduating class from the Fernie Academy and that same be provisional for in future years of the Financial Plan.
Students must meet the qualifying criteria some of which is to reside within the City of Fernie and have demonstrated outstanding citizenship.
6) Fernie Hotel and Pub – Temporary Change to Liquor License
Council approved use by the Fernie Hotel of the City-owned parking lot for the purposes of hosting a beer garden, pig roast and live entertainment on July 30 from 2:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Council has no objection to the application made by the Fernie Hotel for a temporary change to a liquor licence to temporarily extend the licensed area to include the adjacent City-owned parking lot provided that:
o Outdoor live entertainment concludes at 11:00 p.m.
o A Certificate of Insurance and a copy of the letter from the LCLB confirming approval of a temporary change to the liquor license are received by the City of Fernie by Wednesday, July 6, 2011.
7) Ministry of Children and Family Development and Minister Responsible for Child Care responded to a recent letter from Council who outlined concerns about provincial funding rates for the Child Care Operating Funding Program.
Council will forward a copy of the response from the Ministry to the Fernie Childcare Society suggesting they contact the province with suggestions of possible improvements that the province could make to childcare throughout the province.
Council gave direction to the Community Wildfire Protection Plan Task Force Committee to consider fuel modification /wildfire mitigation work in the James White Park and report back to Council with their findings.
9) Council appoint Councillor McIsaac as City representative on the Board of Directors for the Fernie Tourism Association as of June 21, 2011.
Regular Fernie Council Meeting May 20, 2011
Posted by admin in : Fernie Council Meeting , add a comment1) Fernie Summer Downtown Initiatives Committee
The Fernie Summer Downtown Initiatives (known as the Victoria Avenue Summer Initiative Committee – VASIC) is working to increase the volume of residents and visitors using Downtown stores and businesses. The Committee’s objective is to bring more community spirit to the downtown area during the summer months of July – September. Some of the events the VASIC is exploring are the following:
• Wednesday Afternoon/Night Market
• Sunday Truck Treasures Sale
• Pedestrian Friendly 2nd Avenue
• Offering opportunities for Charities to Fund raise
• Entertainment, music, and busk stops
• Showcasing the Library & The Miners Walk
• Outside seating for cafés and restaurants
Upon receipt of a budget detailing programming, infrastructure expenses and anticipated in-kind contributions from both business and the City of Fernie, Council indicated it will allocate up to $10,000 from the Resort Municipality Initiative towards the project, with terms of the partnership to be defined in a Partnering Agreement.
For more information or to get involved please contact the Fernie Chamber of Commerce at (250) 423-6868.
Special Meeting of May 16, 2011
1) 9th Avenue Reconstruction and Utility Upgrades Project
Council awarded the above noted project contract to Demidoff Equipment Ltd. from Kamloops, BC for the tendered price of $3,559,617.60 inclusive of HST.
The reconstruction project will include the addition of a sidewalk on the east side of the road, improvements to storm water management and new water and sewer infrastructure. The sidewalk will be set back from the roadway to improve safety and provide an opportunity for Operations crews to clear snow in the winter, as well there will be improvements to storm water drainage by enhancing the permeability of the shoulders. The plan also incorporates landscaped bioswales designed to remove silts and other pollutants from the surface runoff prior to discharging the water directly into the Elk River.
2) 2010 Financial Statements
Council approved the 2010 Financial Statements for the fiscal year ending December 21, 2010.
Fernie Council Meeting April 24, 2011
Posted by admin in : Fernie Council Meeting , add a comment2011 – 2015 Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 2154
The 2011 – 2015 Financial Plan Bylaw is the culmination of a comprehensive and consultative budget process that began in the fall of 2010. The budget process is the mechanism for determining the revenue requirements and resource allocations that ultimately inform the decision on municipal tax rates.
The revenues and expenditures summarized in the 2011-2015 Financial Plan Bylaw have been set with the objective of maintaining a fair, equitable and stable level of tax collection that will allow the municipality to continue to provide a high level of quality services to the tax payer.
A Special Meeting will be held on April 26, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. during which the public is invited to review and provide input into the Financial Plan prior to the adoption of the bylaw. Copies of the
2011 – 2015 Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 2154 are available on the City’s website www.fernie.ca and at City Hall.
Gas Tax Agreement – General Strategic Priorities and Innovations Funds – Grant Application for Fernie’s Official Community Plan: Creating a Sustainable World-Class Community and Destination
Council endorsed a resolution authorizing the Whistler Centre for Sustainability to apply for funding from the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Strategic Priorities Fund and Innovations Fund in the amount of $125,000 on its behalf to complete the OCP update. The Application seeks to obtain funding from the Gas Tax Agreement’s Capacity Building and Integrated Community Sustainability Planning Projects funding stream for $125,000 towards an estimated project cost of $175,000.
If the application is approved, the project would result in a comprehensively updated OCP for the City of Fernie that is systemically aligned and integrated with the City’s Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP).
Columbia Basin Trust Community Initiatives Funding Recommendations
On April 5, 2011 Council heard presentations from community groups applying for funding under the Columbia Basin Trust Community Initiatives and Affected Areas program. At the Regular Meeting held April 11, 2011, Council ratified its funding allocations and recommended the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) endorse the funding levels as allocated by Council.
Similar review and recommendation processes are occurring in other communities in the RDEK. Once all communities have forwarded their recommendations to the RDEK, the RDEK Board will consider the recommendations and forward its approval of recommendations to the Columbia Basin Trust who will confirm with groups if their applications were successful and what amount, if any, was awarded.
The recommendation endorsed by Council was as follows:
Organization / Sponsored Organization Recommended
Area Funding
Baynes Lake Park & Recreation Society
(Cranbrook & District 4-H Council) 500.00
BC SPCA East Kootenay Branch 1,500.00
Bootleg Sled Dog Race Society
(East Kootenay Friends of Children) 200.00
Canadian Red Cross Society – Youth Equipment (HELP) 1,690.00
Canadian Red Cross Society – Equipment Audit 318.75
Columbia Basin Family Resource Society -
Community Connections Society Of Southeast BC 2,500.00
Cranbrook & District Community Foundation -
District of Sparwood – Ghostrider Summer Camp 900.00
East Kootenay Brain Injury Association 1,500.00
Elk Valley Critical Incident Response Team 2,500.00
Elk Valley Society for Community Living 3,000.00
Fernie & District Arts Council – Reel Canadian Film Festival 3,000.00
Fernie & District Arts Council – Theatrical Development Program 4,000.00
Fernie & District Historical Society
(Miners Walk Exhibit Steering Committee) 7,013.92
Fernie & District Historical Society – Power of Place: Ski Hill Memories 3,000.00
Fernie Childcare Society 4000.00
Fernie Heritage Cemetery Restoration Society 1,000.00
Fernie Mountain Music Festival Society 7,000.00
Fernie Public Library Association
(Fernie MOMS Group) 2,000.00
Fernie Women’s Resource and Drop in Center 1,622.50
Fernie Writers Conference Society 2,500.00
Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC -
I.D.E.A.L. – Circular Community Arts & Wellness Events Building 500.00
I.D.E.A.L. – Summer School of Music 1,000.00
Kimberley Disabled Skiers Association 1,500.00
Kootenay Carshare Cooperative 1,240.00
Kootenay Columbia Caregivers Association 500.00
Kootenay Power Boat Association -
Options for Sexual Health -
Rockies Institute Society -
Special Olympics British Columbia Elk Valley 800.00
Wildsight – Elk Valley Branch – Growing Gardens 2,250.00
Wildsight – Kimberley / Cranbrook Branch – Beyond Recycling 2,000.00
TOTAL ALLOCATED 59,535.17
Regular Council Meeting October 20, 2010
Posted by admin in : Fernie Council Meeting , add a comment1) Rocky Mountain Grizzly Centre Mountain Community Host Program
Council approved funding to the Rocky Mountain Grizzly Centre for its Mountain Community Host Program in the amount of $10,000 for 2010 from the Fernie and Area Five Year Resort Development Strategy Cultural and Heritage Tourism Strategy Implementation program area.
2) Miner’s Memorial Walk Proposal
Members of the Miner’s Memorial Walk Committee were in attendance to provide an overview and update on the proposed project.
The location of the exhibit will be on City Hall grounds and will tell the story of the importance of mining and the effect is has had on shaping our community.
Council gave its support in principle on the location and design concepts for the project in the proposed location on City Hall grounds.
3) Fernie and District Arts Station– Blue Toque Sublease
Council approved the sublease between the Fernie and District Arts Council and The Blue Toque Diner Ltd. for the period from November 1, 2010 to October 31, 2012 for the restaurant space in the Fernie Arts Station.
4) Fernie Heritage Cemetery Restoration Society
Council recognized the important work the Society performs and renewed Council’s letter of support for the Society to help them secure funding to continue their research and restoration of the Fernie Heritage Cemetery.
5) Highway 3 Speed Reduction request
Council forwarded a letter to the Ministry of Transportation requesting a reduction to the speed limit on Highway #3 within the boundaries of the City of Fernie as follows:
• Traveling from the West the speed limit would be reduced from its present 80 km/hr at the intersection of the Fernie Alpine Resort access road to 60 km/hr to the City of Fernie (night speed)
• Traveling East the speed limit would be reduced from the 80 km/hr to 60 km/hr from Brickers Road to Brenner Road then transition up to 100 km/hr at that point.
Council also addressed the lack of lighting along Highway #3 and the need for safe passage for pedestrians and cyclists. Areas of concern are; traveling West from West Fernie to Riverside Way and on the North End of town from the Parkland Terrace access road to the Chamber of Commerce building.
6) The Royal Canadian Legion – Remembrance Day
Council approved the following requests from The Royal Canadian Legion for the upcoming Remembrance Day Ceremony:
• To hold the Remembrance Day Parade to the Cenotaph on November 11, 2010;
• Purchase of a Wreath to be placed at the Cenotaph during the ceremony by a member of Council;
• To hold the annual Poppy Campaign commencing Friday, October 29, 2010 until November 11, 2010; and
• To fly the Poppy Flag at City Hall for the duration of Veterans Week. (immediately preceding Remembrance Day)
Council also extended an invitation to a representative from The Royal Canadian Legion to attend the October 25, 2010 Regular Meeting to commence the Poppy Campaign and present the Mayor with the first poppy of the campaign.
Thursday, November 11, 2010 join the community at the Cenotaph to pay tribute to our fallen comrades.
Regular Council Meeting September 16, 2010
Posted by admin in : Fernie Council Meeting , add a comment1) Fuel Prescriptions and Operational Fuel Management
Mr. Shawn Ivany, Director of Fire and Emergency Services provided an update on the proposed Fuel Management Program planned for Fernie which focuses on the public owned lands above Ridgemont. The program, designed to reduce the risk of interface forest fires in the community, is being coordinated B.A. Blackwell and Associates who are in the process of selecting a contractor to perform the work.
City of Fernie staff and contractors will use manual treatments that are low-impact to implement fuel treatments. Fall and winter operations will avoid bird nesting season and fire hazards present during the fire season. As the treatments are implemented by hand, the aesthetic impact will be low in contrast to those that use heavy machinery.
Information was mailed to residents to inform them of upcoming work. An open house was held on August 26, 2010 and booths were set up at the September 8th and 9th registration fairs to provide opportunities for the public to ask questions about the program. To view the plan visit the City’s website or for more information please call the Director of Fire and Emergency Services at 250 423-4226.
2) Interior Health Organizational Changes
Ms. Karyn Morash, from Interior Health was in attendance to update Council regarding recent organizational changes that have occurred within the Interior Health. Ms. Morash offered to act as a resource to members of Council and residents if they have questions about the changes and to ensure questions are responded to by the appropriate area or individual.
3) Council, Invest Kootenay and the Fernie Chamber of Commerce have agreed to work together to develop an investment package for the City of Fernie. This partnership will focus on attracting, retaining and expanding investment in our region. Council approved payment to Invest Kootenay for the initial set up fee of $2000 and an annual fee of $5000 to be paid from the Legislative and Administrative External Contracts budget. Council will also commit to an annual review in 2012 of the program to assess if the City’s investment produces the desired expected results.
4) In a letter to Mayor and Council the Fernie Heritage Cemetery Restoration Society acknowledged the City of Fernie’s contributions to the Society’s project this year. They thanked and praised City staff and work crews for all their help clearing brush, rocks and maintaining the Legion portion of the cemetery.
There is still work to be completed; some headstones have to reset as well further cleaning on some of the monuments. For more information regarding the project visit their website at www.fernieheritagecemetery.com
Please note: The Regular and Committee of the Whole meetings scheduled for Monday, September 27, 2010 have been cancelled. (The majority of Council will be attending the UBCM Convention from Sept 26-Oct. 1.
Regular Council Meeting August 27, 2010
Posted by admin in : Fernie Council Meeting , add a comment1. Agreement between RDEK and City of Fernie – Provision of building and plumbing inspection services on a temporary basis
Council authorized execution of an agreement between the above noted parties for the provision of building and plumbing services on an as required basis for vacation or other temporary relief for the City of Fernie. The term is from August 23, 2010 – August 22, 2015. The RDEK currently has similar agreements with Sparwood, Kimberley, Radium and Elkford.
2. 2010 – 2014 Five Year Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 2139
On April 26, 2010 Council adopted the 2010 – 2014 Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 2129 which sets out the proposed expenditures, funding sources and transfers to or between each funds for each five year planning period.
Since Bylaw 2129 was adopted Council has directed or staff have requested the following financial plan amendments to accommodate expenditures that were unforeseen or the amounts undetermined at the time the budget was being deliberated:
a) Partnering Agreement – Veneto Affordable Housing Project
The expenditures summarized in year one of the 2010 – 2014 Financial Plan Bylaw No 2129 include a contribution to Veneto through a partnering agreement. The Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw proposes to modify the funding source of a portion of the contribution from the Land Development Reserve to the Accumulated Surplus.
b) Replacement of the Hot Tub Boiler at the Aquatic Centre
To coincide with ongoing work associated with the aquatic centre energy retrofit project, early replacement of the hot tub boiler is proposed. In addition to reducing the retrofit costs, an added benefit of the early replacement of the boiler is energy savings resulting from the new boiler being 93% efficient as compared to 69% for the existing unit.
c) Purchase and Installation of Window Blinds at City Hall
To replace blinds that were removed when new City Hall windows were installed.
d) Firefighter Wage & Benefit Adjustments
To reflect firefighter wage adjustments agreed to in the recently ratified collective agreement between the City of Fernie and I.A.F.F. Local 2827 covering the period from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2011.
Further adjustments to correspond with a change in the way mobile equipment leases are now accounted for and to be consistent with accounting rule changes that require the calculation and recording of depreciation on tangible capital assets are also included in the financial plan bylaw amendment.
Council passed first three readings of Bylaw No. 2139.
3. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Committee
Ms. Maren Esch was appointed to sit on the Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Committee as the Chamber of Commerce representative.
4. Quick Start Integrated Community Sustainability Plan for Fernie
The Whistler Centre for Sustainability (WCS) and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) have been working together to create an opportunity for small to medium sized BC communities to meaningfully initiate community sustainability planning efforts. The FCM has agreed, pending official approval of an application, to support 5 BC communities with a 50% grant (up to $25,000 contribution) to undertake a Quick Start Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP) process.
Council approved the “Letter of Intent” to participate in the project for the development of sustainability strategy for Fernie. The City has allocated funding for OCP, Zoning, Subdivision and Development Servicing and Development Cost Charge bylaw reviews in its Five Year Financial Plan. The development of a sustainability plan should precede those reviews and serve to inform and integrate their amendments from a broad, holistic sustainability perspective.
5. Modification to an Easement Agreement
Council approved the modification to the Easement Agreement between the City and R.B. & D Holdings to allow for encroachments on 7th Avenue (Fas Gas – 601 Highway #3).
Previous plans to partially demolish the former Esso building were determined to be unsuitable as the load bearing walls were not structurally sound. Therefore the existing building had to be demolished to its foundation, resulting in a necessary amendment to the Easement Agreement.
6. Canadian Avalanche (CAC) Society
Council directed staff to forward a letter to the CAC in support of their grant application to the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch. If successful the grant would be used to enhance public avalanche warning services, increase youth education initiatives, deliver more outreach and awareness programs to snowmobilers, and help pay for basic operating of the program.
Further to this, letters will go out to the appropriate government agencies expressing concern that the CAC has to apply for gaming grants to provide this essential public safety service.
7. Small Water Systems Working Group
The Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) Executive has approved a draft terms of reference for the establishment of a UBCM Small Water Systems Working Group. This group was established in response to ongoing local government concerns over the application of Drinking Water Protection Act and associated regulatory water quality standards to small water systems.
Council nominated the Director of Operational Services to participate on the Small Water Systems Working Group, subject to his acceptance.
Regular Council Meeting July 28, 2010
Posted by admin in : Fernie Council Meeting , add a comment1) Regional District of East Kootenay – Temporary Use Permit
The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors is considering an application for a Temporary Use Permit for short term topsoil storage at 6172 Cunliffe Road.
The City Engineering Department reviewed the Notice of Intent and determined that it would not likely be a detriment to the physical road condition however, they noted that the left turn onto Brenner Road or Cunliffe Road from Highway No. 3 for eastward moving vehicles is a concern from a traffic movement safety perspective. The City will notify the RDEK that they do not object to the issuance but they are concerned about the traffic movement.
For more information contact Michele Bates, Planning Technician at 250 489-2791 or Toll Free1-888-478-7335.
2) Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) – 2011 Canadian Census
The Federal Government announced that it is planning to alter the format of the 2011 Canadian Census and replace the mandatory long-form questionnaire with a voluntary household survey. Municipalities have raised concerns that the change may harm the quality and reliability of census data. The FCM will continue to call on the government to ensure that a reduction in census information does not occur.
Council will forward a letter to the Minister of Industry, Tony Clement indicating their support for the Long-Form Census questionnaire and further, copies of the letter will be forwarded to the Prime Minister’s Office, Honorable Jim Abbott, M.P., FCM and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities.
3) Tourism Incentives Investment Fund Policy
Council approved the draft Tourism Incentives Investment Fund Policy.
This policy was adopted to help inform potential funding applicants of the expected outcomes and projects that will be considered eligible for funding under the Fernie and Area Five Year Resort Development Strategy’s Tourism Incentives Investment Fund. (TIIF)
Projects funded under the TIFF will be generally capital in nature and provide new or enhanced tourism amenities and infrastructure.
Projects or project areas that receive funding under other areas of the Resort Development Strategy will not be considered for funding.
Council Regular Meeting July 7, 2010
Posted by admin in : Fernie Council Meeting , comments closed1) Mr. Wayne Stetski, Manager of the East Kootenay Conservation Program (EKCP) addressed Council and requested their support to establish a Local Conservation Fund. He provided an overview of the work performed by the EKCP on private land conservation and their role in managing the fund on behalf of the Regional District of East Kootenay. If you are interested in getting involved contact ekcp@cyberlink.bc.ca or go to www.ekcp.ca for more information.
2) Mr. Barry Levin, representing the Crowsnest Pass Coal Mining Company addressed Council noting that they have purchased Rio Tinto’s subsurface mineral tenure (coal explorations licenses and leases east of Fernie – Crowsnest Coal Project. He outlined the Global Raw Materials (GRM) plans for the project and their commitment to local communities.
3. Council approved the 2009 Schedules of Remuneration and Expenses and Payments to Suppliers of Goods or Services. These Schedules will be submitted to the Province as part of the Statements of Financial Information.
4. Fernie Heritage Cemetery Restoration Society – Special Occasion Liquor License
Council authorized the Society to operate a beer garden on July 1, 2010 from 1:00 pm – 10:30 pm at Prentice Park (or in the event of inclement weather at the Fernie Memorial Arena as part of the July 1 Canada Day Celebration.
5. Appointment of Civic Bodies
Ms. Colleen Dunn, representative for the Leisure Services Advisory Board and Ms. Sue Bawden Hutchinson, member of the public were appointed by Council to sit on the Decorations Committee.
6. Land Exchange Agreement Amendment
Council approved the Land Exchange Agreement Amendment between the City of Fernie and 0845419 BC Ltd. and Elk River Developments Ltd. to extend completion of the Agreement from June 30, 2010 to July 31, 2010.
The agreement exchanges the ‘Whitetail’ lands and undeveloped road ways (one north and south of Whitetail Drive and a walkway – excluding the area identified as ‘Park’. Comprising1.268 hectares and a Closed Park comprising 0.262 ha for the R4 zoned lands adjacent to Mt. McLean and Cokato Roads, comprising 0.289 hectares, and the ‘Wrangler Ground’ Park to be created by registration of a plan of subdivision comprising 1.87 ha.
7. Bus Stop at Rocky Mountain Village
Management from the Rocky Mountain Village have requested that a bus stop be considered at the Rocky Mountain Village along Cokato Road to serve the residents of Rocky Mountain Village and the community at large that live along this corridor. This request will be forwarded to the Regional District of East Kootenay for their consideration.
8. Fernie Trails Alliance
Council gave direction to staff to investigate the possibility of funding the Fernie Trails Alliance proposal with Resort Municipality Tax Transfer Program money and bring forward a report for Council’s consideration. The two objectives of the Fernie Trails Alliance are:
• To agree to the importance of recreational trails to Fernie’s community and its appeal as an outdoor sports destination; and,
• To organize administration of trail building, funding and user group consultation under one body, with a full-time Trail Administrator.